Clergy and lay people stand separately for Houses of Clergy and Laity. The House of Laity is made up of lay people; church members who are not bishops, priests, or deacons.

All licensed clergy and church members on an electoral roll can stand for election (lay members do not need to be a current Deanery Synod or Parochial Church Council (PCC) member).

We particularly encourage applications from the following groups, who are currently underrepresented on Diocesan Synod and in Diocesan Governance, to put themselves forward for nomination to Diocesan Synod:

• Eligible UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage (UKME/GMH) members of clergy and representatives of the laity
• Eligible youth representatives (minimum 16 years)

Deanery Synod members. This includes current Diocesan and General Synod members who are ex-officio Deanery Synod members.

A deanery is a collection of parishes across a wider area. In the Diocese of Derby, there are eight deaneries. The Deanery Synod is the part of the synodical system between the PCC and Diocesan Synod, elected to represent parishes.

An electoral roll is the list of electors at a church. In the same way that being on the civic electoral roll allows you to vote in parliamentary and local elections and referenda, joining a church electoral roll means that you can vote on church matters, attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and stand for election to the PCC (Parochial Church Council) and Deanery Synod.

You can speak to your PCC Secretary, churchwardens or vicar about how to get on the electoral roll.

If you are unsure which deanery you are in, please speak to your PCC Secretary, churchwardens or vicar who will be able to inform you.

Elected places for Diocesan Synod are in proportion to the number of clergy and church members in that deanery. If a larger number stand than there are places for, an election is required. Additionally, the synod has bishop’s nominees, ex-officio and co-opted members.

12 April 2024 - Nomination forms and notices distributed

27 May 2024 - Nominations close

6 June 2024 - Ballot papers issued

26 June 2024 - Closing date for return of ballot papers

3 July 2024 - Election count results

Diocesan Synod meets three times a year in March, June and October on a Saturday morning. Breakfast is available, and the meeting ends at lunchtime.

In March 2025, we are looking to trial a midweek evening virtual Synod.

Members participate in small group discussions , provide feedback, can speak in debates and vote on decisions. They are supported in reporting back to Deanery Synod and PCCs.

Members have the opportunity to join other key committees and working groups, including Bishop’s Council.

The Diocesan Synod considers matters relating to the work and mission of the Church of England. It formulates diocesan policy on a wide range of issues, advises the bishop and is consulted by them, and contributes to and approves the diocese’s plans and budget.

For example, in the upcoming period, we will have focus on our diocesan vision and strategy, the measures we are taking towards Carbon Net Zero 2030 and eco-diocese and revision of the Common Fund formula.

The bishop gives an address at every meeting. Reports, business and motions are brought from boards and teams in the diocese (eg Education, Ministry Development) and from Deanery Synods. Matters are also referred from the General Synod.

Although there are set procedures involved in parts of meetings to help manage participation, we work hard to ensure meetings are informal, participatory and accessible.

We make sure that rules and processes are explained – in writing and on the day – and that members are inducted and supported effectively.

All representatives for 2024 will received an information booklet that provides more details about the workings of the synod and how the meetings are structured.

We continue to develop measures in relation to papers and resources, venues, audio-visual elements and worship to ensure that the Diocesan Synod is inclusive as possible. We are keen to support individual needs and receive further recommendations.

Please contact Amanda Shreeve at amanda.shreeve@derby.anglican.org if you would like to discuss further.

Travel expenses and childcare arrangements will be supported for meetings.